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Cathy has been sharing her love for music with the Aurora and Denver communities for decades, teaching flute lessons since 1989 and leading general music and band classes since 2002. With a Master’s Degree in Flute Performance and Pedagogy from Denver University, she’s a true expert in her craft. Cathy has also been a proud member of the Aurora Symphony since 1988, bringing her vibrant flute melodies to life on stage.

For Cathy, teaching music isn’t just a career—it’s her greatest joy. She’s on a mission to inspire the next generation of musicians, helping everyone discover that they, too, can learn to play an instrument and create something beautiful.

Erin has been making music for 24 years, with the violin as her main squeeze since age 8. Originally from California, she’s dabbled in everything from classical to Celtic, jazz to bluegrass, and even renaissance festival tunes. She’s rocked 1st chair in the Lake County Symphony, competed nationally in fiddle contests (often snagging top spots), and performed with groups like the Konocti Fiddle Club and vocal jazz ensembles. Armed with an AA in Instrumental Performance and Recording Engineering, Erin’s lessons are all about helping students discover their musical happy place—whether jamming for fun or aiming for gold. When she’s not playing or teaching, you’ll find her gaming, watching anime, or crafting with her pets by her side.

Michelle is originally from Arizona and started playing the piano at the age of 5. In addition to learning the piano , she also participated in musical theater, choir and played violin through college as well as learned to play the organ. One of her favorite things to do is being an accompanist and she has accompanied for several school and church choirs over the years. In her 20 years of private teaching experience she has taught students as young as 4 through adult. She loves to teach expression, chords and improvisation. Her goal with her students is that they have fun, grow an appreciation and love of music and continue to be challenged to improve their skills.

Sara brings her musical passion from New York to Colorado, where she lives with her partner and their adventurous black lab, Willie. Her musical journey began at age 9 with the French horn, studying privately and at the Eastman School of Music. She went on to study policy at Syracuse University's Maxwell School and The American University of Cairo, followed by graduate work at Brown University. Sara rekindled her love of music when she moved to Colorado, joining the Thornton Community Band's French horn section and the Thornton Community Band Brass Quintet. When not performing with these ensembles or freelancing, Sara explores her creative side through composition and has recently embraced the piano, adding a new dimension to her musical repertoire.

Soren, a bassist from Aurora, Colorado, started his musical adventure at age three on piano and never looked back. From trumpet and tuba in school bands to shredding bass guitar by high school, music has always been his jam. After a stint as a metal record label scout, Soren found his true calling: performing and teaching. During the pandemic, he became a bass guru, helping students rock their way into college and pro bands. Now, he’s the bassist for Denver’s power metal band Celestial Wizard and helps organize epic events like Mile High Power Fest. Whether performing or teaching, Soren’s all about spreading passion, technique, and good vibes.

Gerard (Jerry) is a composer and pianist was raised in Belleville, New Jersey and just recently arrived in Colorado. He’s got a long list of prestigious degrees and has studied with some A-List performers. A true expert in all things piano...and conducting. From Rutgers University to Allegro Music, that’s quite a change but he’s ready to take on new students and a new state!

Ashley is studying at the University of Colorado Denver with a minor in Music Performance and plays in the MSU Denver Symphony Orchestra. She began her musical career playing violin at a young age and quickly fell in love with music. She then enjoyed performing in orchestras, joined various music programs, and began her musical training in piano.

She's now an accomplished pianist and violinist with many years of musical training, orchestra performance, and solo performance experience. She has a talent for passing on her passion and inspiring all her students to grow in their musical journeys.

Ben, born in Jacksonville, Florida, grew up immersed in the diverse sounds of his home state. From Blues and Jazz to Country, Southern Rock, 70s Soul, and Latin rhythms, music shaped his childhood. Inspired by his father’s love of classic rock, Ben picked up the guitar at age 10 and hasn’t looked back.

Now, with 20 years of guitar experience, Ben is excited to share his passion for music as a teacher at Allegro Music. He’s dedicated to creating fun, engaging, and informative lessons while building connections within the local music community.

WEDNESDAY: DRUMS ONLY

THURSDAY: PIANO ONLY

SUNDAY: DRUMS ONLY

Dante is a drummer, percussionist, pianist, and audio engineer based in the Denver area. He began learning to play the drum set and percussion in 3rd grade when he started lessons at Allegro! While he enjoys working on his craft, he believes that sharing the knowledge and passing down the skills he has acquired is one of the most important aspects of music. Additionally, while it’s great to practice and work hard, Dante believes music should be a fun experience for both the performer and the listener!

Throughout his life, Dante has spent his time playing and listening to a lot of jazz, latin, rock, hip-hop, pop, and indie rock music. He played in his high school’s Jazz, Symphonic, Concert, and Marching Bands, as well as the Musical’s Pit Orchestra, Choir Ensembles, Wolverine Symphony Orchestra, and Winter Percussion Ensemble. Outside of school, he played percussion for the All State Orchestra and the Continental League Honor Band. While in high school, he also discovered his love for piano, and began pursuing it as his secondary instrument. He played drum set and piano at a church for 6 years, while also filling in on bass and guitar, and as the live sound engineer.

Dante earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Music with an emphasis in Recording Arts at the University of Colorado Denver in December 2023! At CU Denver, he dove into all things audio while improving his playing through studying Latin Music and Latin Percussion. He currently plays in a few groups ranging from Latin Jazz to Funk and Pop. Playing his first show at Dazzle in 8th grade, Dante has grown up playing music all around Denver.

David has been a passionate musician and educator for over 30 years. He started piano at six, moved to clarinet at nine, and found his lifelong instrument, the oboe, at ten. Along the way, he explored a variety of instruments, including bassoon, trumpet, and saxophone, and expanded his expertise to strings, brass, and percussion while earning a Bachelor’s in Music Education from the University of Arizona.

David began his teaching career in 2010 in Tucson, Arizona, building a thriving orchestra program. In 2017, he and his wife Rebecca, also a music educator, moved to Colorado, where he now teaches band and orchestra at Elizabeth Middle School.

As a father of two boys, David finds immense joy in inspiring young musicians and helping them make music a meaningful part of their lives.

Eli musician and illustrator. Their biggest loves are art and education, and firmly believe that theater and music can be a tool in learning and understanding different people and cultures. As they've learned more about theater, they’ve fallen in love with roles that call for a more artistic interpretation, such as Macheath in The Threepenny Opera or Greta in Antigone, Presented by the Girls of St. Catherine's.

In their free time, Eli loves to spend time with close family and friends, whether it be simply walking around together, watching a movie, or picnicking, any time spent is positive time. As a recent graduate from the University of Colorado Boulder, getting their Bachelor's of Music in Musical Theater, Eli is most looking forward to starting down the path of professional theater and beginning their career down a path of arts education.

Emma is a passionate cellist and dedicated teacher. She began her studies with Carina Voly at the San Diego State University Community Music School and later earned a Bachelor of Music in Cello Performance from San Diego State University in Spring 2024, studying under Yao Zhao and Alex Greenbaum.  

During her undergraduate years, Emma discovered her love for teaching while volunteering at SDSU's Community Music School. She trained with the Suzuki Association of the Americas, mentored by Emily Balderrama, and gained valuable experience assisting with group classes, recitals, and festivals such as the Haussmann Quartet Summer Music Festival.  

Currently pursuing a Graduate Certificate in Suzuki Cello Pedagogy at the University of Denver's Lamont School of Music under Heather Hadley, Emma is committed to continuous growth as an educator. She strives to create personalized lesson plans that cater to each student's unique needs and goals, with full Suzuki certification anticipated by Summer 2026.

At first glance, you may think Eric could play every big hair 80’s guitar solo, and you would probably be right. But have some ‘Patience’ and don’t ‘Jump’ to conclusions about this member of our Motley crew. Eric dug deep into jazz at Boise State University, and studied film scoring at University of Colorado, found himself playing in orchestra pits, and toured as a country guitarist while taking his rock guitar gymnastics to venues from coast to coast.
With 30+ years of playing and 25+ years of teaching, there isn’t much Eric hasn’t played or taught. He also has a great deal of experience in other aspects of the field in live audio and recording settings.
Come see our resident chef (fun fact—Eric also has a culinary degree) and get your chops well done.
 

Harry has been a percussionist since he was 6 years old, starting out jamming to his favorite songs by ACDC and Boston. 15 years later, with experience in everything from state championship-winning percussion ensembles to professional drumlines and drum corp, Harry has been refining his skills in all disciplines of percussion. Whether it's your very first drumset lesson, day one of high school marching or honor band, or your first Drum Corps audition, Harry's wealth of experience at all levels of percussion will help you become the best percussionist you can be!

Jason picked up the guitar at age 9 and quickly knew it was his calling. Drawn to the precision of heavier music, he dove into bands like Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Dream Theater, and Fates Warning, shaping his progressive metal style. At 14, he honed his skills and love for theory at the Denver Guitar Institute, studying scales, modes, chords, and songwriting. 

In his 20s, Jason co-founded The Quiet Room, a cutting-edge progressive metal band that signed with Metal Blade Records, released two albums, and toured the US and Canada alongside legends like Dream Theater, Yngwie Malmsteen, and Savatage. 

Beyond metal, Jason has a deep passion for acoustic guitar, mastering techniques in classical, flamenco, and fingerstyle. With over 20 years of teaching experience, he’s known for his patient, customized approach, helping students of all levels achieve their musical goals in any style they choose.

Much like The Beatles and Pink Floyd, John’s Birthplace and passion for music began in the United Kingdom. With Scottish parents, one a graduate in physics and the other a classical musician, they would inspire him with musical artists such as Beethoven, Queen, Andrea Bocelli, and The Cranberries. Some of his oldest memories are of his mother playing Moonlight Sonata while he sat under the piano playing with legos. John moved to Sweden when he was 4, and North America when he was 9. He picked up the Saxophone in 3rd grade and on one faithful Christmas morning his first electric guitar. John began taking music lessons in Chester New Jersey and needless to say his destiny was forever changed. In high school his parents enrolled him at the Long Valley School of Rock. During his curriculum he started joining bands with paying gigs, studied at Berklee through scholarship programs, and after graduating Honors in Music Theory and Orchestra with Double Bass at Mendham High school, he became a School of Rock alumni. John went on to study Music Therapy and Psychology through the Jazz Guitar Performance Program at Montclair State University, as well as receive a Master Luthier Certification at the Summit School of Guitar Building and Repair in Vancouver Island Canada, where he also worked hosting open mics and playing in local bands. As many good stories come full circle, his trade schooling finished in Umeå with an internship at Jakobsson Guitars in back in Sweden. As a luthier John has worked with Breedlove Guitars as a Quality Control Specialist alongside instruments for the likes of Dave Mathews, and has built with Weber Mandolins for artists such as Keb Mo. John is a Luthier, Instructor, and performing artist with an avid musical career. Through his dedication to the art and cultivation of music, John has now come full circle to provide that same dedication towards teaching and nurturing his students at Allegro Music.

Hello, my name is Julian and I’m so excited to help you reach new musical heights! As a music education and clarinet performance graduate from CU Boulder, I find myself teaching music and playing it in equal amounts. I’m a licensed music educator and regularly substitute teach in various school districts. I also privately teach the clarinet and saxophone as well as assist with school music programs. A few examples of recognized groups that I’ve worked with are the Colorado Honor Band Association, Denver Young Artist Orchestra, and El Sistema Colorado. I regularly perform in a variety of settings such as orchestras, chamber groups, and solo. I participate in competitions such as the annual International Clarinet Association’s Young Artist Competition as well as performance festivals such as the Aria Summer Music Academy, Rocky Ridge Music Center, and more. I look forward to meeting you and can’t wait to get started!

A student and teacher in several musical arenas, Kevin is an accomplished pianist, keyboardist, and recording engineer. He holds a bachelor's in the Recording Arts with Piano Performance Emphasis from the University of Colorado Denver. This education was preceded by almost two decades of instruction in piano and performance from several different teachers and mentors, passing on playing technique, practice skills, compositional ability, improvisational tools, and performance tips, all of which Kevin now shares with his students. He has participated in many musical endeavors over the years, including college ensembles, performing for local music groups and bands, supporting musicals from the orchestra pit, and serving in many different worship bands within and across state bounds, for churches, conferences, and rallies. Kevin's teaching strategy is based on a desire to pass on wanted skills to the student. Communication between teacher and student is key, and, for the younger crowd, bringing the parents in on progress and reports. Worship remains Kevin's specialty, given his experience in the local scene and his long list of teachers, mentors, and peers that have helped develop his skill as a worship keyboardist. Kevin excels in teaching his students to read chord charts, play well in and ensemble environment, and how to learn improvisation. Kevin believes in healthy motivation to improve, instruction in regular, effective practice, and making the learning process enjoyable. He is excited for each new student and the unique talents and ideas they will bring to the studio.

Ledama was born in Kenya and grew up in Ithaca, NY, where his musical journey began. His mom signed him up for piano lessons in the Suzuki method, where he studied classical piano for 8 years under the direction of Kiki Barley. Upon entering middle school, Ledama decided to begin learning the trumpet and never looked back.
Ledama moved to Oak Park, IL, a suburb of Chicago, before his junior year of high school and started college at DePaul University in the Jazz Studies program under the tutelage of Bob Lark (jazz trumpet) and Ross Beacraft (classical trumpet). After leaving Chicago, he made his way to Alabama where he played with many bands, including “FisherGreen,” a Southern Rock band, “Bonus Round,” a Birmingham area cover band, as well as performing with the Night Flight Big Band, under the direction of Mart Avant and Ona Watson. Ledama spent many years as a performer in the Southeast, mostly as a freelance artist, but was a featured soloist with The University of Alabama Trumpet Ensemble at the International Trumpet Guild Festival and performed in the pit orchestra for many musicals. 
Ledama moved to Colorado after earning his Master of Arts in Instrumental Music Education at the University of Alabama to be in a more diverse area, with a genuine appreciation for arts education. He has spent time as a band director, general music teacher, performer, producer, composer, and arranger, and has always had a desire to spread his passion for music to younger generations. In addition to his MA in Education, Ledama also holds a master’s degree in jazz arranging and a bachelor’s degree in music technology, two areas he hopes to incorporate into his teaching. In his free time, Ledama enjoys playing and hiking with his dog, R2, cooking and BBQ’ing, camping and other outdoor adventures, online gaming, gardening, and learning about technology.
Ledama goes to great strides to get to know his students on a deeper level and can often be heard sharing stories and talking about things totally unrelated to music, especially when the student seems genuinely interested in sharing. 

Michael, originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico, has spent the last five years in Colorado with his wife, Analise, and their two-year-old daughter, Colette. Now in his third year as the band director at Montbello High School, Michael has taught music at every level from kindergarten to college. A clarinetist for 23 years and a jazz saxophonist since high school, he holds a bachelor’s from the University of New Mexico and a master’s from the University of Utah, with plans to pursue a doctorate someday.

Michele is a performer and teacher who comes from Norman, Oklahoma. She has been teaching in classrooms and studios since 2009, and brings a wealth of knowledge of both instruments and how students learn into her lessons. Michele earned her Bachelor’s degree in Music Education with a string emphasis in 2014 from Arizona State University, and immediately moved to Oklahoma to pursue a Master’s program in Cello Performance from the University of Oklahoma, which she completed in 2016. Since graduating, she has created a thriving studio in Oklahoma, taught as the assistant orchestra teacher and sectional coach at a middle school for five years, and held the principal cello position for five years with the Oklahoma Chamber Symphony. She relocated to beautiful Colorado for her husband’s job and is excited to continue to teach and inspire the next generation of string musicians here! She is currently performing with the Longmont Symphony Orchestra and subs for the Greeley Philharmonic as needed. When she is not teaching, practicing, or performing, Michele enjoys crafting, video games, and spending time exploring Colorado with her husband and daughter.

Rich is an accomplished, self-taught drummer who began playing when he was 14 years old, giving him over thirty five years of drumming experience. His drum technique is influenced by John Bonham, Tommy Aldridge and Denny Carmassi just to name a few. At the young age of 15 Rich began playing in bands in the San Francisco Bay Area. Rich played in an array of cover bands, playing 5 night a week to improve his skills and by the age of 20 was a proficient drummer playing the Bay Area club scene. His bands have included The Toys, Hari Kari, G Force, Autobahn, Horse, Bullet In The Chamber and Badd Boyz - a band that included Paul Shortino ( Rough Cutt, Quiet Riot and currently Raiding The Rock Vault, currently one of Las Vegas premier attractions.) Some highlights of Rich's musical career include auditioning for Ozzy Osbourne and getting a second call back and also opening up for many big name acts including Pat Benatar, Blue Oyster Cult, Great White and most recently Bret Michaels of Poison. Rich currently resides in Denver, Colorado and has been teaching drum lessons since 1993. Most students are typically able to play a song within two - four months of beginning lessons. Rich's approach to teaching is un-intimidating and his objective is for each student to have fun while learning and improving their skills. Rich is also a proud endorser of Pearl Drums and Sabian Cymbals and aside from teaching and playing live has performed on numerous Cds and does studio work as well.

Rick's been teaching and playing professionally since 1992. He's also the owner of Allegro Music! He teaches all percussion but loves helping beginners get started on snare drum and drum set. 

Besides teaching and running things at Allegro, Rick loves playing steel pans! He's been a member of several ensembles and but also runs 2 professional steel bands, Strings & Steel and Urban Island.

First Concert: David Bowie, Glass Spider Tour, 1987.

Robert has a resume a mile long and you can read most of it below. Basically, he's our go-to guy for Music Theory, Composition, and Music Technology. Of course, most of his students are studying piano primarily. Robert is super talented and we've seen tremendous growth in all of his students!

Robert Strobel is an accomplished composer, performer, and teacher of all ages who wants to make learning music fun. Some of his favorite things include Ableton Live, music marketing, piano music, and writing for the orchestra. As a composer, he has over 20 commissions. Among those he has received through time include 2 commissions from the Barlow Endowment, Ladyslipper Ensemble, a work for some string players of the St. Louis Symphony (Mizzou NM Initiative), [TriO], The Missouri Quintet, and Columbia College, among others.

He undertook an artist residency at Brush Creek Foundation for the Arts, and won the Southwest American Prize in the electronic music category. He was also a finalist in the Orient/Occident orchestral competition where his recent orchestral work Life : Aaru was performed by the KLK Symphony Orchestra. He won 3rd place in the Bruno Maderna International Composers Competition. His music has been broadcast on WPRB Princeton in Marvin Rosen’s 25-hour new music marathon, and on Hawaii Public Radio, in the program “Singing and Other Sins.”

Recordings of his works can be found on Society of Composers, Inc. CD flare, and on the album Sn. His symphonic work From the Book of the Dead was a winner in the Missouri Orchestra Composers’ project. He also won the FSU sponsored Force Majeure Woodwind Quintet Competition.  His work Prairie Dog Rhapsody received a special mention at the Alfred Schnittke Composer's Forum and Competition. Some of the festivals he has attended include the TUTTI Festival, Source Song Festival, among others.  His music has been published by Holy Sheet Music, Aldebaran Editions in Italy, and Forton Music in the UK. Robert Strobel has a doctorate degree from Florida State University.

Stephen started his first band at the age of 15, where he performed as a classic rock guitarist and vocalist around Denver, performing songs from artists including Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, and Rush. Stephen has also performed as an acoustic solo act, and can help students learn to sing and play. While his specialties include rock, blues and funk, Stephen is also proficient in fingerstyle and jazz guitar. With a heavy emphasis on rhythmic playing and improvisation, Stephen is a good fit for beginners of any age, as well as intermediate or advanced players wanting to learn more about music theory, soloing, performance, and songwriting. Along with his 8 years of experience teaching guitar, Stephen also performed and toured with the Colorado Children's Chorale as a child, where he sang in Canada, South Africa, Italy and Austria. Stephen is currently a lead guitarist, singer, and songwriter for the funk fusion band Waiting for Dani.